"That comforts me a little."

"Has he wit or not--this demon D'Artagnan?" said Porthos, astonished at
his friend's deception.

"Now, sir," said D'Artagnan, wishing to change the conversation, "here
are fifty pistoles that the count has sent you by the same courier. I
suppose you have no more money and that they will be welcome."

"I have still twenty pistoles, sir."

"Well, take them; that makes seventy."

"And if you wish for more," said Porthos, putting his hand to his
pocket----

"Thank you, sir," replied Raoul, blushing; "thank you a thousand times."

At this moment Olivain appeared. "Apropos," said D'Artagnan, loud enough
for the servant to hear him, "are you satisfied with Olivain?"

"Yes, in some respects, tolerably well."

Olivain pretended to have heard nothing and entered the tent.

"What fault do you find with the fellow?"

"He is a glutton."

"Oh, sir!" cried Olivain, reappearing at this accusation.

"And a little bit of a thief."

"Oh, sir! oh!"

"And, more especially, a notorious coward."

"Oh, oh! sir! you really vilify me!" cried Olivain.

"The deuce!" cried D'Artagnan. "Pray learn, Monsieur Olivain, that
people like us are not to be served by cowards. Rob your master, eat his
sweetmeats, and drink his wine; but, by Jove! don't be a coward, or I
shall cut off your ears. Look at Monsieur Mouston, see the honorable
wounds he has received, observe how his habitual valor has given dignity
to his countenance."

Mousqueton was in the third heaven and would have embraced D'Artagnan
had he dared; meanwhile he resolved to sacrifice his life for him on the
next occasion that presented itself.

"Send away that fellow, Raoul," said the Gascon; "for if he's a coward
he will disgrace thee some day."

"Monsieur says I am coward," cried Olivain, "because he wanted the other
day to fight a cornet in Grammont's regiment and I refused to accompany
him."

"Monsieur Olivain, a lackey ought never to disobey," said D'Artagnan,
sternly; then taking him aside, he whispered to him: "Thou hast done
right; thy master was in the wrong; here's a crown for thee, but should
he ever be insulted and thou dost not let thyself be cut in quarters for
him, I will cut out thy tongue. Remember that."

Olivain bowed and slipped the crown into his pocket.

"And now, Raoul," said the Gascon, "Monsieur du Vallon and I are going
away as ambassadors, where, I know not; but should you want anything,
write to Madame Turq